‘Disgusting’ ‘disgraceful’ ‘humiliating’ – How social media reacted to Lee Radford’s sacking

Following their 38-4 home defeat to Warrington Wolves last night, Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson announced live on Sky Sports that the club had sacked head coach Lee Radford.

BREAKING: Hull FC and Lee Radford part company.

✍️Live blog: https://t.co/yfbxkqRIsA
📺Sky Sports Arena & Mix pic.twitter.com/kHUVy8P0lv

— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) March 12, 2020

The loss, in front of a disgruntled home support, was the Black and Whites’ fourth in five games and their third consecutive defeat at the KCOM Stadium.

Having spent big in the off-season, following a disastrous end to 2019, Radford’s side failed to live up to their pre-season hype, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

But despite their failings in the league throughout his seven-year tenure, ‘Radders’ has enjoyed some special moments in charge of his hometown club.

He was promoted to legendary status when he led the Airlie Birds to Challenge Cup wins in 2016 and 2017, ending the club’s Wembley hoodoo in the process.

Having earned respect, both at his club and amongst the rugby league community, Radford’s sacking has not gone down well, with many labelling the decision to announce the news live on air as ‘unprofessional’ and ‘classless’.

Surely could have slept on it & if still felt the same, worked it out over the weekend, release a statement Monday. No need for that, Lee Radford a good man who brought 2 back to back CC clubs home to Hull.
In my opinion got to break the bank to get Craig Fitzgibbon from Roosters https://t.co/ww7iJ9zCa4

— Richard Mathers (@RichardMathers) March 12, 2020

Regardless of his coaching ability, always thought Lee Radford came across as a really decent honest bloke. He deserved better than to be dismissed in such a manner as that given his contributions to Hull FC as a player and coach.

— RedVee.Net (@RedVeeDotNet) March 12, 2020

What have I just watched🤔 Disgusting, where is the respect for radford, 2 cup final wins 🏆🏆 and 1 bad night at the office.🤷🏼‍♂️ https://t.co/eeqjzhJzrf

— Keith Mason official (@Realkeithmason) March 12, 2020

Lee Radford won two Cups and deserved more respect than being handed his P45 live on TV at full time.

— Sid (@Sidneykidney4) March 12, 2020

Gutted for Radford to be sacked minutes after a game on live TV, how humiliating. Pearson should be ashamed of himself

— kt✨ (@katiewhelan1998) March 12, 2020

Can't believe the Radford news… the only SL head coach I know who cares about rugby from tots right up to the top level! Gave local kids a chavve, always makes time for everyone and genuinely loved the club!

He'll move on to bigger and better things.

— Shawn Boatin (@GRMshawn) March 12, 2020

Lee Radford probably knew it was coming but the players should be ashamed of themselves after that . Also I think he deserved a bit more respect than getting the hook live on tv so soon after the hooter .

— Gary#HKR#Fox (@gfox203) March 12, 2020

To think Wigan away in 2015 the “Radford Out” banner first appeared . To then go on and make history tells you everything you need to know , guy bleeds black and white! Will certainly be missed thanks for everything Radders! @hullfcofficial ⚫️⚪️

— Danny Cass (@DannyCass_) March 12, 2020

Mixed thoughts on that tonight. Will probably overshadow the game. Brutal measures and honesty from Pearson, Radford did have to go but can see why people are saying it lacked class. Sacked on TV. Unprecedented that really.

— Ben Long (@LongyWTID) March 12, 2020

Say what you want about Lee Radford !! The players should hang their heads in shame ! they are the ones who drop the balls, make the forward passes, miss the tackles and make the late tackles ! The coach can only work so hard ! Those 80 minutes are all about the players !!

— Mark Laing (@markl_17) March 12, 2020

Poor behaviour,lacking in class. If this is what the standards and character of a great club have become, airing this live ,minutes after fulltime, then the coach isn’t the problem. Get the man a mirror.Lee Radford is better off out of there.

— Damian Irvine (@damianirvine) March 12, 2020

https://twitter.com/nicky025/status/1238223201844498434

https://twitter.com/MorraHFC/status/1238227330901905410

You’ve got to feel for Lee Radford on a human level. Nobody, least of all he deserves to be sacked like that on TV.

He’s earned the right to be treat better. #HullFC

— Joshua Cook (@JoshuaCookRadio) March 12, 2020

Adam Pearson tells @HumbersideSport he didn't sack Lee Radford as @hullfcofficial coach live on TV .

He had a private conversation with Lee Radford to tell him the decision before going on the telly. #HullFC

— David Burns (@bbcburnsy) March 12, 2020

Wasn’t working last night and will leave the coaching ability analysis to those who know more. But media wise, Lee Radford was outstanding throughout his tenure. No edge, unflinchingly honest and always quotable, no matter what the result. Hope he finds a route back into RL

— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) March 13, 2020